Our Summer Cop Shop in The Galleries is now open

We have opened the doors to our Cop Shop in The Galleries Bristol, and for the first time ever we’ll be open during the summer months.

This is the eighth year Bristol City Police (Southmead, Broadbury, Trinity and The Bridewell) have run the shop in the Galleries and we have now extended our first floor residency to span six months.

This is a great opportunity to meet police officers from all the Bristol neighbourhood areas along with our partners. Together, we will be offering crime prevention advice, tips on keeping safe and the chance to talk to us directly about a variety of subjects. There will be lots of equipment like riot shields, vests and real uniform for children to try on and you’re welcome to take pictures too.

Last year we met over 8,000 people who visited the shop in the December. We are expecting even more visitors to join us this summer when we open the shop for four to six hours every day until 7th November. ACC Steve Cullen will be officially opening the Cop Shop on Tuesday 19th June.

We have a packed schedule* with even more themed weeks and activity to be announced. Here is a taster of what we have on offer. Follow #ASPCopShop on twitter for updates;

18th - 24th June: Domestic Abuse – DA is sadly a big issue in our force area, come by to speak to our officer and partners about spotting the signs, supporting people you know and how to take action. We will be promoting work with The Southmead Project, Next Link and The Freedom Programme with one IDVA attending each day too

18th - 8th June: Avon Fire and Rescue

21st June, 11th July: Police Recruitment – All you need to know about applying to be part of the police family

25th June – 1st July Op Buell Cop Shop week – Teaming up with the local bike community and Bristol Bike Theft Awareness Group we will be talking about Op Buell, displaying a range of bikes, locks and delivering crime prevention advice

16th -29th July: Child sexual exploitation – Our dedicated team will be raising awareness about this serious issue and offering advice about how to keep young people safe

End August (date TBC): Sole Cycling – Running a multi-travel safe theme including road safety and rail safety advice and encouraging people of all ages to get into cycling

1-7th October: NHS Winter Campaign

11th, 17th 26th October: Alcohol Awareness week

In addition to the above, we are also hoping to host Wessex 4X4 Response, Unseen and RNLI with more still to be announced later in the summer.

Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens said: “It’s great the Cop Shop is returning to Bristol city centre this summer. I have visited the pop up shop over the past few winters and know how popular it has been with local people and passing shoppers. It’s important the local neighbourhood policing team are accessible to residents and this base gives them, and our partners, the perfect opportunity to give advice on staying safe, crime prevention and home security amongst other things. If you’re in the area, make sure you stop by.”

Neighbourhood Inspector Martin Rowland who is based at The Bridewell said: “We are really pleased to be back in heart of Bristol’s shopping centre at The Galleries. This summer we’re here to help people stay safe, offer advice and promote the incredible organisations we work alongside. Engagement with the public is an important part of our role and this is a great opportunity to strike up a conversation with people and businesses within the local community. When we were here last December and welcomed 8,000 visitors through the doors so we’re hoping even more people will drop by during the next six months.”

Colin Lang, Centre Manager, The Galleries said: “It’s great to welcome the Cop Shop back to The Galleries for a six month stretch this summer. Community spirit is so important in Bristol, particularly in the city centre, and the neighbourhood police teams are a big part of this. This is an opportunity to strengthen relationships between shops, the police and the public and we’re delighted to be hosting the Cop Shop which will deliver helpful advice and information about staying safe.”

*Dates are subject to change. The shop will be open daily until the 7th November. Follow #ASPCopShop on Twitter for updates.